Absinthe Tasting Guide

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• Click on the Submit New Item link in the Absinthe Reviews menu at the left or on the Add New Item Here link at the top of each category section.

• Select a section and category. At present "Reviews" is the only section, and there are three categories:

Authentic Absinthes are those, of whatever level of quality or type of manufacture, which meet the criteria of a traditional belle époque style absinthe, i.e. above 45% ABV (90 proof), a primary flavor of anise and a detectable flavor of wormwood.

Absinthe Substitutes & Pastis are products which are sold as absinthe substitutes or are characteristic of the category to such an extent that they may be judged by absinthe criteria. The reason for their inclusion here is so that people who find absinthe unobtainable can make informed decisions on what to use as a substitute in cocktails or as a drink on its own.

Faux Absinthes & Novelty products are those which are sold and labeled as authentic absinthe but which are clearly outside the category. Either they lack enough anise to be qualified as an anise spirit, they lack wormwood flavor and/or their overall character is substantially unlike a traditional belle époque absinthe. These often fall into the more appropriate designation "wormwood bitters" or "wormwood flavored vodka." Novelty products will also include such things as mandrake or cannabis "absinthes".

They are presented here so that the curious consumer can see how they compare to authentic absinthe.

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